FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.

— Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

As the contract renewal window builds throughout September and October, this is prime territory for networks to launch aggressive marketing campaigns alongside the launch of new iPhone models.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
The four- or six-person domes have lofts, full bathrooms with walk-in showers and prime stargazing right from bed.

— Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Hargrave then had three terrific seasons in Philadelphia, where Jonathan Gannon — the Packers’ defensive coordinator — was the Eagles’ coordinator for two years.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Kuechly, Rivera and Newton teamed up on the terrific Panthers teams of the 2010s.

— Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Molecular clouds can also be stellar nurseries, incubating new stars and planets in their depths.

— Damien Pine, Scientific American, 13 July 2026
In Nolan’s film—which features a stellar cast, including Holland’s wife Zendaya as the goddess Athena—Holland also stars.

— Alessia Ferri, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Those programs collectively play superb baseball, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to draft calls.

— Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
La Roja did a superb job limiting the touches of world-class striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Spanish midfield being the unsung heroes of the first half.

— Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The resort provides a hiking guide—Nafea Abdeljalil was wonderful—and of course transport.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Izzy, a vulnerable, dry-humored lesbian, played with a hummingbird intensity by the wonderful Molly Bernard, marvels that the experience is hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been through it, like sharing a dream.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved seating and lovely lighting even more.

— Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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